Monday, December 21, 2015

This year Pratt & Larson was honored to be a finalist in the Family Owned Manufacturing Company of the Year category in this years Portland Business Journal awards.

The Business Journal solicited nominations for the Oregon Manufacturing Awards from the manufacturing community and their readers at large. Nominations were divided into 5 categories based on number of employees as well as a family owned company of the year category. The business journal’s editorial staff judged nominees based on financial performance, growth, innovation and job creation and retention. We are so proud to be recognized in this way as an important member of the Portland community.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Back in 2013 we introduced our Scraffito series. Inspired by an ancient technique where the surface layer is scratched away to reveal a contrasting color, these designs have a wonderful hand drawn quality to them which is rarely seen in ceramics. Over the last two years the Scraffito series met with great success and continued popularity so we are pleased to announce that we have added four new designs to the series.

Scraffito E 5x10 SC-510E

Scraffito F 5x10 SC-510F

Scraffito G 5x10 SC-510G

Scraffito H 5x10 SC-510H

These new designs are available in a 5x10. Some of these patterns are directional so be sure to pay extra attention when you are installing them!

Scraffito E in W88

They can be ordered in a single color (Monochrome) using any one of our hundreds of glaze colors.The Watercolor glazes really show off the new patterns. The glaze pools in the recesses of the pattern and it becomes darker where it gathers.

Scraffito F in C58

The Craftsman Glazes are a little more subtle, filling in the pattern here and there, creating different looks depending on the glaze. It's a good idea to order samples to see how the color you're considering reads on the pattern.

C609 Scraffito G

The Craftsman Metallic glaze C609 bounces the light off of it's metallic surface, allowing the pattern to read in the subtle shine.

R350 Scraffito H

Many R-glaze colors will pool in the patterns too, creating areas of light and dark to help the patterns read. Each color has its own look so it's important to order a sample.

You can also order the Scraffito series in Polywash, a two color process. This technique adds an accent color to the pattern. You choose both an overglaze color and an accent color. There are eight accent colors you can use for Polywash shown on the tool board below.

PW 1 Polywash palette

The accent color is applied and then rubbed away leaving the accent color only in the recesses.

The overglaze is sprayed on top of the accent color, adding a layer of transparent color. You can use any of the Watercolor glazes as an overglaze, just keep in mind the darker glazes will obscure the accent colors and the more contrast between your accent color and your overglaze color the bolder the pattern will be. The three pieces below show Scraffito pattern F using different combinations of Polywash accent colors and overglazes.

Monday, September 21, 2015

This summer we were inspired by all of the uncharacteristically bright sunny days here in Portland to make some big bold colorful concept boards for our showroom.

Just because the summer is ending doesn't mean the fun should end!

Strong color choices are great for accent walls and smaller spaces like powder rooms.

Or if you're more adventurous, you can use big bold colors anywhere! Here's a great gallery from Martha Stewart with lovely ideas on how to use bright colors in your decorating.

There is nothing like a blast of color to make a space feel more upbeat and fun. If you're looking for inspiration on how to use color in your designs try Pinterest or Houzz for some great images.

Pop into our showroom in Portland, Oregon for a factory tour or just to brighten up your day!

"The Drab Age is over. Color is coming into its own again. Until very recently people were literally scared out of their wits by color. Perhaps this was a hangover from our Puritan ancestors. But whatever the reason, brown, grays and neutrals were the only shades considered 'safe.' Now we know that lovely, clear colors have a vital effect on our mental happiness." - Dorothy Draper

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

The first thing to come to mind when you are thinking about tile is usually the classic but utilitarian square and rectangle or subway tile. While we have lots of variations on those timeless squares and rectangles, Pratt & Larson has a wide array of interesting and contemporary tile shapes as well. We've just recently added several new ones. Download the brochure from our website.

This is our new Elongated Fan. It's beautiful in a single color or in color blends, both light and dark, as you can see in these two concept boards.

Similar in style is the new Elongated Crescent. It's a bit more streamlined and smaller than the Elongated Fan and almost has a retro look in the bright color version to the right. These pieces come loose so you can set them in any direction. The images above show you a couple of options, the first is all oriented in the same direction, the second changes direction from one row to the next, changing the look of the pattern dramatically.

The Rhomboid and the gem shaped Facet offer some sharp angles in contrast to the soft curves of the Elongated Crescent and Fan. In either high contrasting colors or a softer color blend they have a very contemporary and modern feel.

The Hourglass shape is a fresh take on a classic pattern sometimes known as the dog bone. Pratt & Larson's version uses a single shape that suggests a woven pattern when used in two colors. Choose a high contrast color combination for a dramatic basket weave or checkered effect.

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About Me

Pratt and Larson Ceramics has been producing beautiful handcrafted tile since 1982. We started in Michael Pratt and Reta Larson’s basement studio and have grown over the years to a factory, showroom and warehouse employing over 80 people in Portland, Oregon. Our showroom features the tile we make right here in our Portland factory as well as ceramic, stone and glass tile from artists all around the world.